Trailing by 13 points in the fourth quarter, it looked like the Celtics might finally pick up their third loss of the season. But Kyrie Irving was not having it.

Irving scored a game-high 47 points on 16-of-22 shooting to lead the Celtics to a 110-102 overtime win over the Mavericks. After two loses to start the season, Boston has now won 16 straight.

Efficient shooting had not been Irving's calling card early this season, but he caught fire Monday. He drilled 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, while providing most of the Celtics' offense. Irving is the first Celtics player to score 45-plus points on 70 percent shooting since Larry Bird (Nov. 10, 1989).

Irving, a major advocate for the world-is-flat theory, received a little social media love from Celtics general manager Danny Ainge after the game.

The Celtics (16-2) currently have a convincing four-game lead in the Eastern Conference, but LeBron James and the Cavaliers are finally rolling, having won five straight games.

Stud of the Night

Hornets center Dwight Howard dominated the Timberwolves by scoring 25 points on 8-of-10 shooting with 20 rebounds in a 118-102 win. It marked the 48th 20-20 game of his career.

Pacers guard Victor Oladipo scored 29 points with nine rebounds, seven steals and five assists in a 105-97 win over the Magic. Oladipo, acquired in the Paul George trade, has now scored 20-plus points in six out of his last seven games.

Sixers point guard Ben Simmons scored a career-high 27 points on 13-of-24 shooting with 10 rebounds and four steals in a 107-86 win over the Jazz. Simmons now has four straight double-doubles, and seven in his last nine games.

Dud of the Night

The Pistons: Handed an opportunity to prove the tide was turning in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons were embarrassed 116-88 at home against the Cavaliers. Tobias Harris led the Pistons with just 11 points, as all five starters finished with at least a minus-19 rating.

Highlight

Pelicans veteran guard Jameer Nelson beats the clock with a near half-court shot:

Anthony Davis led the Pelicans to a 114-107 win over the Thunder with 36 points and 15 rebounds after teammate DeMarcus Cousins was ejected for a Flagrant-2 foul.

What's Next

Bulls (3-11) at Lakers (7-10) 10:30 p.m. ET — NBA's only game of the night features two red-hot freshmen in Lakers' Kyle Kuzma and Bulls lottery pick Lauri Markkanen. Lonzo Ball enters the game fresh off his second-career triple-double, but his poor shooting and his outspoken father still dominate headlines.